Crystalline Polyester Toner for Charge Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
High coverage images printed on both sides of image recording media using electrophotographic methods tend to adhere due to insufficient electric charge removal, especially when low-temperature fixing techniques are employed, leading to instability in image stacking and storage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating toner base particles with a crystalline polyester resin, which functions as a conductive path to facilitate electric charge removal without detailed voltage control, allowing for effective suppression of image adhesion during high coverage printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If low-temperature fixing is employed to reduce energy consumption, then energy saving is achieved, but electric charge removal becomes insufficient causing image adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the toner by incorporating a specific conductive resin (polyester resin with carboxyl groups) that provides adequate electrical conductivity at low temperatures, enabling charge removal without requiring high fixing temperatures
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive polyester resin acts as an intermediary substance within the toner that facilitates electric charge removal through its inherent conductivity, mediating between the low-temperature fixing process and the requirement for sufficient charge dissipation
2Productivity
If high coverage images are printed on both sides of sheets, then productivity is improved, but image adhesion increases due to insufficient charge removal
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive polyester resin serves as an intermediary that enables high coverage printing on both sides by providing the necessary electrical conductivity for charge removal, allowing increased productivity without compromising stacking stability
3Temperature
If conventional toner is used for low-temperature fixing, then fixing temperature is reduced, but image adhesion occurs due to accumulated electric charge
Solution Approach 1:
The invention modifies the toner composition by incorporating conductive polyester resin, changing the electrical conductivity parameter to enable effective charge removal at low fixing temperatures, thereby preventing image adhesion while maintaining low-temperature fixing
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potentially harmful effect of low-temperature fixing (insufficient charge removal) into a benefit by using the conductive properties of polyester resin to actively facilitate charge dissipation, turning a weakness into a strength
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The use of crystalline polyester resin in toner base particles enables reliable electric charge removal, preventing image adhesion and ensuring stable storage and stacking of high coverage images without the need for precise voltage control, while maintaining low-temperature fixing performance and heat-resistant storage capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating toner base particles with a crystalline polyester resin, which functions as a conductive path to facilitate electric charge removal
Implementation Method 2
applying a voltage having a polarity reverse to the surface potential of the toner image
Data Source
AI summary
In an image forming method according to the present invention, an image is formed by removing residual charge from the image on an image recording medium. The image forming method includes formation of an image for forming a toner image by fixing a toner on the image recording medium and application of voltage from a voltage applier, the voltage having a polarity reverse to a polarity of a surface potential of the toner image. The toner includes toner base particles and an external additive. The toner base particles include a crystalline polyester resin.